“The last thing Key West needs is another party. Why bother? You’re bringing sand to the beach.”
The fun starts a week from Sunday with the raceboat parade down Duval Street. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
So spoke a snarky, would-be media competitor when Jason Johnson, Greg Harris, Yvonne Aleman and I launched the Speed On The Water Key West Bash benefitting Samuel’s House 13 years ago.
Turns out he couldn’t have been more wrong.
Don’t misunderstand. The city’s main boulevard of beloved debauchery—commonly known as Duval Street—is itself a seven-day-a-week, 20-something-hours-a-day party. (Though I’ve never been there to see it, I’m told the bars do close for a few hours each morning to regroup before the next onslaught of revelers arrives.)
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE SPEED ON THE WATER GO FUND ME CAMPAIGN FOR SAMUEL’S HOUSE
But despite that it goes mostly nonstop, that party hasn’t raised more than $750,000 for a local nonprofit outfit that provides shelter and programs for women, children and intact families in need. Nor is it a celebration that performance-boat lovers and offshore racing fans can call their own.
The Speed On The Water Key West Bash is your party. And because you are by nature a generous lot, it gives back to a community many of us annually call home for a week in early November.
Still, there are other celebrations you might care to check out. The fun technically kicks off Sunday afternoon with “The First Bank World’s Fastest Boat Parade” on Duval Street. Here are just some of the options:
• Monday, November 2: Official Racers Welcome Party at Smokin’ Tuna Saloon presented by Good Boy Vodka, 313 Duval Street. Start time is 5 p.m.
• Monday, November 2: Race’s Pole Position Party at Vixen’s presented by Demon Bikini, 1029 Truman Avenue. Start time is 10 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 3: Tiki House Party presented by Key West First Legal Rum, 203 Duval Street. Start time is 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 4: Race’s Pole Position Party at Vixen’s presented by Demon Bikini, 1029 Truman Avenue. Start time is 10 p.m.
• Thursday, November 5: 13th Annual Speed On The Water Key West Bash benefitting Samuel’s House, 511 Greene Street. Start time is 7 p.m.
Of course, there’s more than that—the celebrations go one throughout the weekend. Click here for a complete list.
Like our fellow party hosts, the Speed On The Water Key West Bash team including sponsors DWR, Good Boy Vodka, Platinum Powerboats, offshore racer Rob Lockyer and Wozencraft Insurance looks forward to welcoming you.
One gentle suggestion?
Pace yourselves. It’s a long week.
Related Story: It’s On! SOTW Key West Bash Drive To Support Samuel’s House Launches GoFundMe Campaign